Monthly Archives: November 2015

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Dr. Bob from Maine is back again this year as a volunteer. His medical services in the past have been used on occasion, but for the most part we are hoping that won’t be needed and he can focus on his other many skills including carpentry, electrical and plumbing. Welcome back Bob!

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Gabriel Arias Rojas – University Nacional, Costa Rica

Gabriel is studying Sustainable Tourism. He completed a project at Cloudbridge researching promotion of the reserve as a tourist destination. He focused on birding as a primary interest for visiting the reserve. A survey revealed that having a guide, easy access on trails and biodiversity are the most important factors. In the survey the road to the reserve was not a high priority. (Good thing!). Some of his recommendations included working with the community to produce a bird check list for the area, develop brochures, include a bird watching guide on the Cloudbridge website and continue to use social media to get the word out about bird species seen here.

Gabriel presenting his research in the classroom

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Anna Poole and Allen King – UK

This adventurous couple have made a habit of travelling around the world. This latest trip has led them through Mexico, Guatemala, now Costa Rica, and then eventually on to Columbia. They say they will travel as long as their London apartment remains rented providing some budget travel income. Coming to Cloudbridge helps them to give something back, something meaningful. They are both helping with the construction of our new cabina. Anna has also started putting together a Cloudbridge cookbook inspired by our weekly potluck dinners. Their travel blog is an inspiration for anyone who has the travel bug! http://sacredcuriositytravel.blogspot.com

Allen – Carpenter extraordinaire !

Anna – Varnishing

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Michelle Alb – Germany

Michelle also has the travel bug. She wanted to have a travel experience before starting university next year. She says its the best thing she can do with her money and time and that it is important to volunteer and meet people along the way. Her favourite quote is “Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Her beautiful signs that she painted will be a constant reminder of her contributions to the reserve.

Michelle – Germany

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Yvonne Powell – Canada

Yvonne is Jenn’s mom. She came to Costa Rica to see what her daughter was up to at Cloudbridge. She has accompanied Jenn on some of the research hikes looking for frogs. We have also put her to work in the tree nursery. Her claim to fame is her famous pies and she gave Linda and Bob a lesson on pastry making. The lesson ended with two beautiful pies (pecan and mixed fruit) which they shared with all of the volunteer crew. Yvonne ended her trip with a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Jenn’s Mom – Yvonne, Canada

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Emma Salter and Brody Lea

Emma and Brody

Brody and Emma have decided to spend a year travelling to different countries and do some environmental volunteering along the way.

On their adventure they happened to get engaged in Borneo where they were working at a reforestation project. We tried to convince them to get married here at Cloudbridge but they felt that their family might not approve. Instead they have been busy helping with construction of our new cabina. They took some time to climb Chirripo along with David.

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Genevieve and Charles arrived just in time to help with the cabina construction and enjoy a little of this beautiful green season. Genenvieve is happy with how things are looking at her beloved reserve. She expressed her delight in the terrific group of volunteers and the work they are doing. She is also thankful for Frank stepping in as the reserve manger this year and adding his skills and knowledge to her reserve legacy.

In one of our conversations I had to remind her of how many lives she has touched by creating this small piece of paradise. The tourists, volunteers and researchers that come always leave with new-found hope for the environment and for a more hopeful and peaceful humanity. A project she can be proud of!

Genevieve working in the Welcome Centre

Charles loves to get involved in everything from gardening to construction.

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Barbara, David and Jenn are also still here. Thank you for your hard work, amazing amphibian discoveries, delicious food recipes, and just the warmth and companionship that you give to all of us everyday.

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Cloudbridge Fun and Cabina Construction:

Frank playing soccer in the pouring rain.

Sign painting by Michelle.

“When You Have More Than You Need – Build a Bigger Table, Not a Higher Fence” Potluck night with our Cloudbridge community.

Great Food.

Bird Watching

Transportation – The bus from San Gerardo

Barbara sanding wood day after day, and she is still smiling.

Carpenter Bob

Holding up the walls. Someone should be holding up Frank!

Is that the wrong measurement again?

Cabina in progress. In another month it will be home away from home for students and volunteers.